The Borgna-Converter: An Alternative Solution to interleaved DC/DC Converters

In this work, a family of new and simple topologies for highly efficient, non-isolated electronic power converters is being introduced. The basic idea of this inverter family goes as follows: Two sub-converters of the well-known topologies buck, boost or buck-boost are being connected in parallel, virtually forming an interleaved converter. However, compared to standard interleaved converters, there are two major differences: First, the chopper voltages of the two sub-converters are being connected with a small coupling capacitor in parallel to a small bypass switch. Second, the method of control of the power switches is different. Due to these simple modifications, zero-current / zero-voltage switching is being achieved, effectively reducing power losses and electromagnetic interferences. With a functional prototype, the authors could show that an efficiency of more than 99% can easily be achieved. Even though the basic function of these converters is DC-to-dc-conversion, by modulation of the output voltage, ac waveforms can be generated as well. This clears the way to inverters and synchronous rectifiers. Due to their superior performance, high flexibility and simplicity, the authors see high potential for these new converter topologies in a wide field of applications such as photovoltaic inverters, battery charging systems, traction drives and many more.